During this unprecedented time 3D Printing technology is receiving a much attention in both traditional news outlets on social media platforms. Many stories and posts have been published with examples of 3D printing used to create and distribute test swabs, reverse engineer and create parts for ventilators, and as a method of crowdsourcing parts for face shields. There are a number of designs for masks, medical equipment, and face shields available for free online. These designs include the ICD3-Budmen Face Shield from the manufacturers of the BUILDINI 3D printer, the PRUSA Face Shield from the team that manufacturers and distributes PRUSA 3D printers, and the DtM-v3.1 Face Shield posted on NIH 3D Print Exchange by Timothy Prestero, CEO of Design that Matters.
There are also face shield designs being created that do not utilize 3D printing, such as the COVID-19 Medical Face Shield created by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Makerspace. It is worth noting that each of these designs is a different size and utilizes a different size of face shield and a different method of attaching the shield to the headband. Some designs such as the DtM-v3.1 Face Shield utilize a US letter-sized sheet of transparent material. Others, including PRUSA, Budmen, and the COVID-19 Medical Face Shield from the UW Makerspace, take custom-sized plastic sheets prepared on a laser cutter.
The UAB Libraries are following information on uses of 3D printing to respond to COVID-19 closely and will follow guidance from the university on the preferred uses for 3D printers at UAB to help meet needs in Birmingham and Alabama.
The UAB Libraries buildings remain closed during the university’s limited business operations.
Stay healthy and safe!
0 Comments.